Natural Cures for Arthritis
Mar 1st, 2008 by daniel
Arthritis is the inflammation of a joint,which makes movement difficult and causes redness, swelling, and sometimes warmth. It can occur in any joint, but it most commonly begins in the fingers, knees, and hips.
There are more than a hundred different types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis can also be a symptom of other treatable diseases including infections, Lyme disease, lupus, and Reiter’s disease (also called reactive arthritis).
Most Americans show some signs of osteoarthritis by the time they are 40 years old; their symptoms typically worsen with age. Osteoarthritis means that actual structural components in the joints are wearing out. It sometimes follows a previous injury and is more common among people who have participated in competitive contact sports.
To understand how arthritis produces pain, you need to take a look inside a joint, the place where two or more bones meet. Bones do not actually touch–they are separated by a small space referred to as the synovial space. This space is filled with fluid to allow movement. The fluid is contained in a capsule by a synovial membrane. Finally, the ends of each bone are covered with smooth cartilage, which allows movement with less friction.
In rheumatoid arthritis, th synovial membrane is inflamed. This inflammation creates additional tissue that causes distortion of the joints, which you can see from the outside. Unlike other types of arthritis, the rheumatoid form is an autoimmune disorder. This means that the inflammation in the joints is caused by the body’s own immune system, which is not functioning properly. Rheumatoid arthritis usually produces symptoms in a few joints, most commonly the wrists. The inflammation that it causes can also affect the heart, lungs, and brain. Sometimes an attack of rheumatoid arthritis is set off by stress, either emotional or physical.
In those who have osteoarthritis, the joints themselves–especially those in the fingers–sometimes swell and become deformed. Osteoarthritis has less inflammation associated with it than rheumatoid arthritis. One of its distinguishing characteristics is that the affected joint is cool and hard to the touch rather than warm and spongy as in rheumatoid arthritis. Destruction of the cartilage that surrounds the ends of the bones is common in osteoarthritis. Small bone spurs then grow from the surface of the bone into the joint. These spurs decrease the mobility of the joint.
Osteoarthritis also tends to run in families. If you have a family history of this disorder, keeping your weight at an optimal level has been shown to decrease your risk of developing it in knee joints. Ankylosing spondylitis is yet another type of arthritis. It typically affects the spinal column, causing pain and stiffness in the back.
Arthritis can also be associated with inflammatory bowel disease. This type of arthritis can usually be controlled by focusing on controlling the intestinal inflammation.
There is no known cure for arthritis. Doctors prescribe drugs to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints and to prevent further joint damage and deformities. For osteoarthritis, acetaminophen may help, while anti-inflammatory drugs are typically used for rheumatoid arthritis. You’ll notice that some pain drugs also reduce inflammation, but acetaminophen isn’t one of them.
Herbal Remedies
Cayenne and Other Peppers
Peppers contain a strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent known as capsaicin. This compound blocks a chemical in the body that acts as a pain signal. You can find capsaicin in many commercial creams and ointments for arthritis pain. Typical dosage: a cram containing 0.25 percent to 0. 75 percent capsaicin applied daily. Caution: Some people experience a slight burning of the skin with capsaicin use. If you do,try a cream with a lower percentage of capsaicin.
Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis)
The seed from this plant contains the essential fatty acid gamma linolenic acid (GLA), which has an effect on inflammation. For this reason, the seed oil may significantly help arthritis pain, especially in cases of rheumatoid arthritis. One study showed that patients taking 12 capsules per day of evening primrose oil or 540 milligrams of GLA were able to reduce the amount of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs they were taking. (Evening primrose oil is expensive, but other good sources of GLA are available; see “Keeping Joints from Creaking”). Typical dosage: up to 12 capsules per day; or 1/2 teaspoon of oil per day.
Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)
The linoleic acid found in flaxseed oil may also be beneficial for arthritis because it alters how the body breaks down prostaglandins, chemicals involved in inflammation. Typical dosage: 2 tablespoons of oil per day in food (use on top of cereal or as a salad dressing).
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
This part is used by some in a process called urtication. What this involves is swatting the aching joint with the whole plant so the nettles scratch the skin. Such a procedure probably works both by distracting the patient–or victim, depending on how you look at it–and by injecting anti-inflammatory chemicals from the plant. There’s a much less painful way to take nettles: streaming or drying the leaves removes their sting. Nettles are high in boron, a mineral recommended for arthritis. Typical dosage: up to six 435-milligram capsules per day; or 1 cup of tea per day, divided into two or three doses (steep 1 teaspoon of dried herb in 1 cup of hot water for 10 minutes).
Ginger (Zingiber officinacle)
This root has traditionally been used in India to treat arthritis. Components of ginger such as gingerol can inhibit the production of prostaglandins possibly more effectively than the arthritis drug indomethicin. Typical dosage: up to eight 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day; or 1/2 to 1 teaspoon fresh ground root per day; or 10 to 20 drops of tincture in water three times per day. Caution: Doses of ginger higher than these should not be used by people with diabetes, heart problems, or bleeding problems.
Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
This herb from Africa has traditionally been used for most types of arthritis. The tubers contain a group of chemicals called iridoids that have anti-inflammatory activity. One clinical study showed patients with arthritis improved when taking one 500-milligram tablet of devil’s claw three times per day. Other studies conclude, however, that devil’s claw provides no relief for arthritis. It may be best to find out for yourself. Typical dosage: up to six 400- or 500- milligram capsules per day; or 30 drops of tincture three times per day. Caution: Do not take if you have gastric or duodenal ulcers.
Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Most of the Eastern world has been drinking green tea for centuries, but only recently has it become the darling of medical research. Scientists now know that green tea-from the same plant as black tea, but processed in a different way-contains compounds called polyphenols that may help the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A study from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland showed that mice given polyphenols isolated from green tea were protected from developing a disease similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Although this experiment was conducted on mice, similar results might be found in humans. Black tea may also be beneficial. Typical dosage: several cups of green tea per day is safe (follow manufacturer’s instructions for tea bags). Because green tea extracts vary widely in concentration, follow manufacturers’ recommendations on dosage of extracts.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Typically thought of as a relief for headache, feverfew has also been used for arthritis. Although no conclusive human studies have been done, in some laboratory studies extracts of feverfew were able to stop certain processes involved in rheumatoid arthritis. Typical dosage: up to three 300-or 400-milligram capsule per day; or two average-sized fresh leaves per day; or 15 to 30 drops of tincture per day. Caution: Do not take during pregnancy.
Turneric (Curcuma longa)
A common Indian spice, turmeric has also been used as a treatment for arthritis. Is active ingredient, curcumin, inhibits the production of prostaglandins. This anti-inflammatory property has been confirmed in animal studies. Turmeric can be taken in food, or applied topically to the joint as a poultice to relieve pain. Typical dosage: 250 to 5oo milligrams of standardized capsules up to three times daily; or up to 1 teaspoon per day in food; or 10 to 30 drops of tincture up to three times per day.
Yucca (Yucca brevifolia)
Many Native American tribes use yucca as a food, especially the fruits of this cactus-like plant. It has traditionally been used as an arthritis remedy and studies have confirmed its effectiveness. Human studies have shown that an extract of yucca reduces the swelling, pain, and stiffness of arthritis, though the studies were controversial. Yucca can be used either internally or externally on the joint. Typical dosage: up to four 490-milligram capsules per day.
Willow (Salix alba and other Salix spp.)
Willow is probably the oldest herb known to treat pain and inflammation. The inner bark of this plant contains salicin, which is changed to salicylic acid in the body. The compound in aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, is derived from salicylic acid. Typical dosage: up to six 400-milligram capsules per day.
Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)
This gum resin is a Ayurvedic remedy for arthritis. Studies in India have documented its usefulness and products containing boswellia are marketed there. Boswellia is sometimes mixed turmeric and another Ayurvedic remedy, ashwaganda. Typical dosage: up to three 400-milligram capsules per day.
Pineapple (Ananas comosus)
When fresh, not canned this fruit contains bromelain, a compound with anti-inflammatory properties that many people find useful for arthritis conditions. Typical dosage: three to four 40-milligram capsules per day, or simply enjoy eating more pineapple in your regular diet.
Supplements To Help Relieve Arthritis
The following nutrients can help your joints limber and pain-free.
* B vitamins. One small study showed that arthritis patients improved when they took 6.4 milligrams of folic acid per day and 20 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day. Niacin (vitamin B3) may also provide some relief.
* Vitamin C and D. This duo has been shown to help osteoarthritis. Vitamin C is essential to the body for making collage, and important component of joints. Two hundred milligrams of C per day is probably enough; try 500 IU of vitamin D.
* Vitamin E. This vitamin may help relieve some pain of arthritis. Typical dosage: 400 to 600 IU daily.
* Boron. The Rheumatoid Disease Foundation recommends 3 milligrams of boron per day. Doctors don’t know how it works, but where people ingest 1 milligram or less of boron per day, the rate of arthritis is higher.
* Calcium. This element is an important component of bone. It has been shown to decrease the amount of bone loss that occurs from long-term steroid use. Typical dosage: 1,000 milligrams per day.
* Glucosamine sulfate. This compound makes up the main component of cartilage in joints. It has received much attention, and many people claim that it works wonders. Although it also has its skeptics, many well-designed , short-term studies have shown that glucosamine can decrease arthritis patients’ symptoms. Glucosamine is not a pain reliever, however, and it takes four to eight weeks before you feel results. Typical dosage: 500 to 1,500 milligrams daily. Caution: Glucosamine can cause mild digestive problems and should not be used by people with heart disease or diabetes.
Ease The Pain These Easy Ways
Lifestyles changes can make a difference in controlling arthritis symptoms. Here’s what experts recommend.
* Take the waters. Most practitioners suggest a program of regular exercise, but water exercise is especially good, since it doesn’t put additional pressure on the joints. This exercise must be coupled with periods of rest.
* Do dietary check-in. Many doctors recommend increasing the amount of whole, unprocessed foods you eat. Some people with arthritis find that a vegetarian diet can reduce the symptoms. You might also find it helpful to cut back on coffee, alcohol, chocolate, and dairy products, since these foods tend to foster inflammation. Food sensitivities or allergies may also play a role in arthritis, and many people find some relief by eliminating certain foods. The most common foods that can affect arthritis are members of the nightshade family, such as eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes.
* Watch your weight. Yes, you’ve heard it before. But being overweight in relation to the size of your frame and the thickness of your bones puts undue stress on the joints of the lower extremities.
Keeping Joints From Creaking
Remember the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz? His joints were so rusted he could barely squeak out the words, ” Oil can. Oil can….” Consuming the following oils won’t work on painful joints as quickly as the Tin Man’s solution- but they are good substitutes for costly evening primrose oil because of their high levels of either gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) or the chemicals your body uses to make GLA.
* Borage seed oil
* Black currant seed oil
* Fish oils
* Flaxseed oil
* Nut oils
* Safflower oil